Initially the Vinaver theory that Malory’s eight romances, once thought to be fundamentally unified, were in fact eight independent works produced both a sense of relief and an unpleasant shock. Vinaver’s theory comfortably explained away the apparent contradictions of chronology and made each romance independently satisfying. It was, however, disagreeable to find that what had been thought of as one book was now eight books. Part of this response was the natural reaction to the disturbance of set ideas. Nevertheless, even now, after lengthy consideration of the theory’s refined but legitimate observations, one cannot avoid the conclusion that the eight romances are only one work. It is not quite a matter of disagreeing with the theory of independence, but of rejecting its implications: that the romances may be taken in any or no particular order, that they have no cumulative effect, and that they are as separate as the works of a modern novelist.

17. The primary purpose of the passage is to

(A) discuss the validity of a hypothesis
(B) summarize a system of general principles
(C) propose guidelines for future argument
(D) stipulate conditions for acceptance of an interpretation
(E) deny accusations about an apparent contradiction



18. It can be inferred from the passage that the author believes which of the following about Malory’s works?

I. There are meaningful links between and among the romances.
II. The subtleties of the romances are obscured when they are taken as one work.
III. Any contradictions in chronology among the romances are less important than their overall unity.

(A) I only
(B) III only
(C) I and III only
(D) II and III only
(E) I, II and III



19. The author of the passage concedes which of the following about the Vinaver theory?

(A) It gives a clearer understanding of the unity of Malory’s romances.
(B) It demonstrates the irrationality of considering Malory’s romances to be unified.
(C) It establishes acceptable links between Malory’s romances and modern novels.
(D) It unifies earlier and later theories concerning the chronology of Malory’s romances.
(E) It makes valid and subtle comments about Malory’s romances.



20. It can be inferred from the passage that, in evaluating the Vinaver theory, some critics were

(A) frequently misled by the inconsistencies in Malory’s work
(B) initially biased by previous interpretations of Malory’s work
(C) conceptually displeased by the general interpretation that Vinaver rejected
(D) generally in agreement with Vinaver’s comparisons between Malory and modern novelists
(E) originally skeptical about Vinaver’s early conclusions with respect to modern novels